A DRUG dealer caught after a police chase through the city centre has been jailed.

Kieron Nolan, 27, is believed to be linked to a Manchester county lines gang.

On January 20, detectives confronted him in the city centre.

He fled down Goodramgate and was caught after a chase on College Street near St Williams College.

Nolan, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possessing criminal property and carrying a knife in public.

He was jailed for five years and seven months.

Police Constable Neel Seth from the York and Selby Expedite Team said: “We’re pleased with the sentence handed to Nolan and that his attempt to pedal drugs on our streets has been brought to an abrupt halt.

“I hope the fact another drug dealer has been put behind bars reassures the local community that we will take action against people who think they can target North Yorkshire with their illegal activities.

"We are out there watching and waiting. You might not see us, but we’re there and we will take action to stop you.”

A police spokesman said when officers caught up with Nolan on January 20, he dropped a yellow plastic sweet container.

It broke open as it hit the ground showing it contained drug wraps.

He also had a 22cm kitchen knife with a 13cm blade, £250 in cash and drug paraphernalia in his rucksack.

"County lines" gangs are organised crime groups based in one part of the country, often a large city, that organise drug pipelines into other parts of the country such as North Yorkshire.